Blueberry plant named &#39;FC13-122&#39;

ABSTRACT

The new blueberry plant variety ‘FC13-122’ is provided. ‘FC13-122’ is a commercial variety intended for the hand harvest fresh fruit market. The variety is produced from a cross of ‘ZFO6-050’ (female parent, not patented) and ‘ZFO6-013’ (male parent, not patented), which can be distinguished by its outstanding features.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/709,364 filed on Jan. 11, 2018, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

None.

Latin name of the genus and species: Genus—Vaccinium.Species—corymbosum.

Variety denomination: The new blueberry plant claimed is of the varietydenominated ‘FC13-122’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the discovery of a new and distinctcultivar of northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. hybrid)plant, referred to as ‘FC13-122’, as herein described and illustrated.The new blueberry plant variety ‘FC13-122’ is a commercial varietyintended for the hand harvest fresh fruit market. The variety hasmoderate plant vigor, upright growth habit, ripens mid-season, andproduces very large, uniform fruit. ‘FC13-122’ was selected for itsabove average fruit quality compared to other mid-season varieties. Thefruit is larger and firmer than any standard commercial variety in thesame harvest window.

‘FC13-122’ has a more upright growth habit compared to the parents‘ZFO6-050’ (not patented) and ‘ZFO6-013’ (not patented) that have asemi-sprawling growth habit. ‘FC13-122’ differs from the female parent‘ZFO6-050’ (not patented) in that it has moderate vigor and larger fruitwhere ‘ZFO6-050’ (not patented) has low vigor and smaller fruit.‘FC13-122’ differs from the male parent ‘ZFO6-013’ (not patented) inthat it has a higher yield and larger, firmer fruit.

Pedigree and History: The new blueberry plant originated from a cross of‘ZFO6-050’ (female parent, not patented) and ‘ZFO6-013’ (male parent,not patented) made in Lowell, Oreg., USA in 2010 and was selected in thesame location in 2013.

The new blueberry variety ‘FC13-122’ was initially propagated bysoftwood cuttings in 2013 from the original seedling in Lowell, Oreg.,USA and planted in a replicated plot of nine plants in fall 2014. Theplants established in Oregon were successfully used to establish invitro culture lines in 2017.

‘FC13-122’ was selected in 2013 because of its high-quality fruit—firm,crisp, light blue color, and very large size. After two additional yearsof evaluation in Lowell, Oreg., ‘FC13-122’ was determined to besufficiently cold hardy and adaptable to commercial managementstrategies, and have a competitive yield for the harvest season. Plantsof ‘FC13-122’ propagated from softwood cuttings or in vitro arephenotypically stable and exhibit the same characteristics as theoriginal plant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The new blueberry plant variety ‘FC13-122’ has not been observed underall possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhatwith variations in environment and cultural practices such astemperature and light intensity without, however, any variance ingenotype.

‘FC13-122’ is distinguished by an upright growth habit, moderate vigor,very large fruit, high number of berries per cluster, and longinflorescence. The following characteristics of the new cultivar havebeen repeatedly observed and are determined to be the uniquecharacteristics of the new blueberry plant variety ‘FC13-122’:

1) Mid-season ripening

2) Very large, uniform fruit size

3) Firm fruit texture

4) Excellent long-term cold storage performance

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographic illustration shows typical specimens infull color of the foliage and fruit of the new variety ‘FC13-122.’ Thecolors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a colorrepresentation of this type.

FIG. 1 is a photograph of the new variety ‘FC13-122’, demonstrating theplant's leaves and growth habit in the fall. The plants were grown inLowell, Oreg. and photographed on Nov. 15, 2017.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of the fruit cluster of the new variety‘FC13-122’ grown in Lowell, Oreg. and photographed on Jul. 19, 2017.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of the flowers of the new variety ‘FC13-122’grown in Lowell, Oreg. and photographed on May 18, 2017.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of the fall foliage of the new variety ‘FC13-122’grown in Lowell, Oreg. and photographed on Nov. 15, 2017.

FIG. 5 is a photograph of early buds on the new variety ‘FC13-122’ grownin Lowell, Oreg. and photographed on Mar. 16, 2017.

FIG. 6 is a photograph of one year old canes on the new variety‘FC13-122’ grown in Lowell, Oreg. and photographed on Mar. 13, 2017.

The colors in the photographs are as close as possible with thephotographic and printing technology utilized. The color values cited inthe detailed botanical description accurately describe the colors of thenew blueberry.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description sets forth the distinctivecharacteristics of ‘FC13-122’. The data that define thesecharacteristics were collected from asexual reproductions of theoriginal selection. Dimensions, sizes, colors, and other characteristicsare approximations and averages set forth as accurately as possible. Theplant history was taken on plants approximately 3 years of age, and thedescriptions relate to plants grown in the field located at 39252Jasper-Lowell Road, Lowell, Oreg., USA. Descriptions of fruitcharacteristics were made on fruit grown at the field described above.Color designations are from “The Pantone Book of Color” (by LeatriceEiseman and Lawrence Herbery, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, NewYork 1990). Where the Pantone color designations differ from the colorsof the photographs, the Pantone colors are accurate.

-   Classification:    -   -   a. Family.—Ericaceae.        -   b. Genus.—Vaccinium.        -   c. Species.—corymbosum.        -   d. Common name.—Northern Highbush Blueberry.-   Parentage: Female Parent — ‘ZFO6-050.’ (unpatented). Male Parent —    ‘ZFO6-013.’ (unpatented).-   Market class: Hand harvest fresh market.

PLANT

-   General:    -   -   a. Parentage.—Female Parent — ‘ZFO6-050’ (unpatented). Male            Parent — ‘ZFO6-013’ (unpatented).        -   b. Plant height.—Average 1.24 m.        -   c. Plant width.—Average 1.34 m.        -   d. Growth habit.—Upright.        -   e. Growth.—Moderate vigor.        -   f. Productivity.—High. In Lowell, OR on 2 year old plants            3.15 lbs. per plant, compared to Draper plants of the same            age which produced an average of 4.10 lbs. per plant. On 3            year old plants ‘FC13-122’ produced 5.59 lbs. per plant,            compared to Draper that produced an average of 5.18 lbs. per            plant.        -   g. Cold hardiness.—Approximately USDA zones 6-8 but tested            to only USDA zone 8.        -   h. Chilling requirement.—Estimated minimum of 500-1000 hours            below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.        -   i. Leafing.—Moderate.        -   j. Twigginess.—Not twiggy.        -   k. Resistance/susceptibility to root rot (Phytopthora            cinnamomii).—Does not seem overly susceptible.        -   l. Resistance/susceptibility to stem blight (Botryosphaeria            sp.).—Does not seem overly susceptible.        -   m. Resistance/susceptibility to Phomopsis Twig Blight            (Phomopsis vaccinii).—Does not seem overly susceptible.        -   n. Resistance/susceptibility to Botrytis (Botrytis            cinerea).—Does not seem overly susceptible.        -   o. Resistance/susceptibility to Leaf Spot (Septoria            spp.).—Does not seem overly susceptible.        -   p. Resistance/susceptibility to Leaf Rust (Naohidemyces            vaccinii).—Does not seem overly susceptible.        -   q. Resistance/susceptibility to bud mites (Acalatus            vaccinii).—Undetermined.

STEM

-   General:    -   -   a. Suckering tendency.—None.        -   b. Mature cane color.—Pantone color Brush 16-1317.        -   c. Mature cane length.—Average 1.08 m.        -   d. Mature cane width.—Average 1.21 cm.        -   e. Bark texture.—Rough.        -   f. Fall color on new shoots.—Pantone color Grasshopper            18-0332.        -   g. Surface texture of new wood.—Smooth.        -   h. Internode length on strong, new shoots.—41.35 mm.        -   i. Average number of buds per fruiting lateral.—12.4.

FOLIAGE

-   General:    -   -   a. Time of beginning of leaf bud burst.—In Lowell, OR, mid            March to early April.        -   b. Leaf color (top side).—Pantone color Chive 19-0323.        -   c. Leaf color (under side).—Pantone color Sage Green            15-0318.        -   d. Leaf arrangement.—Alternate.        -   e. Leaf shape.—Broadly elliptic.        -   f. Leaf margins.—Entire.        -   g. Undulation of margin.—None.        -   h. Leaf venation.—Anastomosing.        -   i. Leaf apices.—Acute/Attenuate.        -   j. Leaf bases.—Obtuse.        -   k. Leaf Length.—Average 77.25 mm.        -   l. Leaf Width.—Average 45.75 mm.        -   m. Leaf length/width ratio.—1.69 — medium.        -   n. Leaf nectarines.—Absent.        -   o. Pubescence of upper side.—None.        -   p. Pubescence of lower side.—None.        -   q. Cross sectional profile.—Flat.        -   r. Longitudinal profile.—Plane.        -   s. Attitude.—Porrect.        -   t. Fall leaf color.—Pantone color Fiery Red 18-1664 and            Pantone color Spectra Yellow 14-0957.-   Petioles:    -   -   a. Length.—Average 4.34 mm.        -   b. Width.—Average 2.15 mm.        -   c. Color.—Pantone color Green Oasis 15-0538.        -   d. Petiole surface texture.—Smooth.

FLOWERS

-   General:    -   -   a. Time of beginning of flowering.—Approximately mid to late            April in Lowell, Oreg.        -   b. Time of 50% anthesis.—Approximately early May in Lowell,            Oreg.        -   c. Flower shape.—Urceolate.        -   d. Flower bud density.—Medium.        -   e. Flower fragrance.—Faint floral scent.        -   f. Immature flower color.—Pantone color Pastel Parchment            11-0603.        -   g. Self-compatibility.—Very good. Approximately 71% of            self-pollinated flowers reached maturity on            self-compatibility pollination trials, compared to 81% of            flowers reached maturity when pollinated with pollen of the            variety ‘Liberty’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,146).-   Corolla:    -   -   a. Color.—Pantone color Pastel Parchment 11-0603.        -   b. Length.—8.22 mm.        -   c. Width.—8.61 mm.        -   d. Aperture width.—4.54 mm.        -   e. Anthocyanin coloration of corolla.—None.        -   f. Corolla ridges.—Present.        -   g. Protrusion of stigma.—Does not protrude average 0.49 mm.            below the corolla.-   Inflorescence:    -   -   a. Length.—44.35 mm.        -   b. Diameter.—41.78 mm.        -   c. Length of peduncle.—36.13 mm.        -   d. Surface texture of peduncle.—Smooth.        -   e. Color of peduncle.—Pantone color Faded Rose 18-1629.        -   f. Length of pedicel.—8.88 mm.        -   g. Surface texture of pedicel.—Smooth.        -   h. Color of pedicel.—Pantone color Faded Rose 18-1629.        -   i. Number of flowers per cluster.—11.2.        -   j. Flower cluster density.—Medium loose.-   Calyx (with sepals):    -   -   a. Diameter.—8.63 mm.        -   b. Color (sepals).—Pantone color Jade Lime 14-0232.-   Stamen:    -   -   a. Length.—6.30 mm.        -   b. Number per flower.—Average 10.33 stamen per flower.        -   c. Filament color.—Pantone color Citron 12-0524.-   Pistil:    -   -   a. Length.—10.80 mm.        -   b. Ovary color (exterior).—Pantone color Peridot 17-0336.        -   c. Style length.—8.24 mm.-   Anther:    -   -   a. Length.—3.74 mm.        -   b. Number.—2 anthers per stamen.        -   c. Color.—Pantone color Bright Gold 16-0947.-   Pollen:    -   -   a. Abundance.—Moderate.        -   b. Color.—Pantone color Cornhusk 12-0817.

FRUIT

-   General:    -   -   a. Time of fruit ripening.—Mid season in Lowell, Oreg.        -   b. Time of 50% maturity.—Approximately the middle of July in            Lowell, Oreg.        -   c. Fruit development period.—70 days in Lowell, Oreg. in            2017.        -   d. Mean harvest date.—July 20.        -   e. Mean date last pick.—August 1.        -   f. Cluster density.—Medium to medium loose.        -   g. Berries per cluster.—9.4 berries per cluster.        -   h. Unripe fruit color.—Pantone color Spinach Green 16-0439.        -   i. Ripe Berry color.—Pantone color Dapple Grey 16-3907.        -   j. Berry skin color after polishing.—Pantone Color Ebony            19-4104.        -   k. Berry surface wax abundance.—Medium.        -   l. Berry flesh color.—Pantone color Hay 12-0418.        -   m. Berry weight.—Average 3.72 g.        -   n. Berry height from calyx to scar.—14.20 mm.        -   o. Berry diameter.—21.82 mm.        -   p. Calyx aperture.—Average 7.40 mm.        -   q. Calyx depth.—Average 1.09 mm.        -   r. Pedicel length.—Average 10.81 mm.        -   s. Pedicel surface texture.—Smooth.        -   t. Berry detachment force.—Medium-strong.        -   u. Berry shape.—Oblate.        -   v. Fruit stem scar.—Medium, dry.        -   w. Sweetness when ripe.—Medium.        -   x. Firmness when ripe.—High.        -   y. Acidity when ripe.—Low.        -   z. Storage quality.—Excellent.

SEED

-   General:    -   -   a. Seed abundance in fruit.—Moderate.        -   b. Seed color.—Pantone color Aztec 18-1130.        -   c. Seed dry weight.—0.27 mg. per seed.        -   d. Seed length.—Average 1.65 mm.

COMPARISON BETWEEN PARENTAL AND COMMERCIAL CULTIVARS

TABLE 1 Comparison Table State of Denomination Characteristic State ofexpression of of similar for expression of candidate variety varietycomparison similar variety ‘FC13-122’ Draper (U.S. Plant Fruit sizeLarge Very large Pat. No. PP15,103) (18 mm/2.4 g) (22 mm/3.7 g) DraperBloom retention Poor Moderate Legacy Fruit size Large Very large (notpatented) (17 mm/2.2 g) (22 mm/3.7 g) Legacy Firmness Firm Very firm(233 g/mm) (364 g/mm) ZF06-050 Vigor Low Moderate (not patented)ZF06-013 Growth habit Semi-sprawl Upright (not patented)

1. A new and distinct variety of blueberry plant named ‘FC13-122’,substantially as illustrated and described herein.